In a small Balkan country, named for its mysterious “Black Mountains” (Monte-negro), you will find a land of rugged beauty – towering peaks, deep canyons and primeval forests. This 9 days hiking expedition aims to showcase the best trails in the most stunning surroundings – including places where few have been before! Towering mountain ridges, picturesque river canyons, pristine glacial lakes and a chance to spot some rare and endangered wildlife. Our experienced team will take you on a real adventure! The Best Hikes of Montenegro expedition includes Komovi Massif, Biogradska National Park, Cijevna gorge and Karanfil – the hidden jewel of Prokletije National Park.

All organic, home cooked meals, BBQ in the wild

Hikes are between 5-8 hours walk | 400-800 m height difference

Departure dates: 7-15 July 2018 and 18-26 August 2018

You are 6+ people? Pick the dates of your choice, we’ll make a departure just for you!

DAY 1: Arrival in Podgorica airport. Transfer to first accommodation.

DAY 2 (moderate): Starting the hike from outside of Kolasin, our goal is reaching one of the most stunning peaks of Bjelasica (1988m). The trail winds uphill past waterfalls, plants with giant leaves and the remains of an old water mill. At the summit, enjoy outstanding views in all directions. From here we hike down to our accommodation for the night in a traditional mountain hut for a much needed rest and a hearty meal.

Mt Bjelasica is part of one of the most beautiful mountain ranges of Montenegro. It belongs to the central continental region of Montenegro.

Day 3 (moderate-long): After a big breakfast of local produce, we head to one of the highest peaks of Bjelasica. From here, we continue along the ridge enjoying stunning views of Biogradska National park and Bjelasica range. Heading down to the valley towards the wetlands, we pass traditional Katuns and local shepherds. The return route takes us past a three spring fed mountain lakes, through green pastures and rich botanic life of Biogradska Gora National Park. The path is very special with views of the lakes and all corners of Montenegro.

Day 4 (easy): This lake of Hridsko Jezero has become the symbol of Bogićevica, the lake is situated 18 km away from the town of Plav, at 1,970 m altitude, under rocks of Hridski krš (krš in this sense means craggy, rugged) and Veliki Hrid (veliki means large). The lake is one of the biggest mountain lakes in Montenegro and for many people one of the most beautiful lakes in the country.

Starting from a mountain trail close to Plav, we have an easy hike through mountain terrain filled with green pastures, flocks of sheep and patches of old forest. We make our way slowly up to an ancient glacial lake – Hridsko Jezero which according to local belief has a healing effect to those who are brave enough to swim there (the water is icy cold!). Here we will set up camp and have a BBQ lunch while taking in the scenery of the surrounding peaks. Trail takes around 2 hours and is worth every second spent. Return transport to accommodation.

Many tales are connected to Hridsko lake, and according to one of them even the name of Prokletije (proklet, meaning accursed) originates from here.

Day 5 (moderate-medium): The trail starts near the Grebaje valley, through a beech wood forest to the plateau and remains of an old Katun. It is a glacial cirque and near the katun is a spring and good source of water. The trail has steep slopes on both sides and amazing views across the valley. After that we cross the pass with views across Albania. Return journey will be made along a layered rock with a carved “strip” from the Neolith Age of 600 years B.C. There is a primitive drawing of a wolf attacking a child and other Palaeolithic items.

Prokletije National Park is home to some of the best hiking trails in the country, even if it doesn’t belong to the highest peaks. The area we visit is very attractive and offers enjoyable mountain adventure in all year seasons, especially in spring time, when you can reach the alpine meadows and spent some time in enjoyment of many unforgettable views and abundant wildflowers.

Day 6 (moderate-medium): Breakfast then transfer to the starting point of hike. Second day in Prokletije range we also start from Grebaje valley, and our goal is summit Maja e Podgojs (2021m). The path is easy but we still have big elevation difference – 1000 meters, and around 3 hours to the top. Those who want to take more rest can enjoy in katun Vezirova brada, and enjoy the view to two valleys – Grebaje and Ropojana. Return and transfer to next accommodation.

Day 7 (difficult-short): The route begins on the Stavna plateau, below the rocky massif of Kom Vasojevicki. The path continues below the massif, crossing grassy and rocky areas. After approximately 2 hours of ascent, you will arrive on beautiful Vera Pass (2200 m) which opens the views to the border mountains of Albania. You continue to the summit and very soon you’ll have privilege to enjoy the most impressive and really amazing scenery of which you can witness in this region.

Komovi is one of most impressive and most beautiful ranges of Montenegro and for sure also of whole Dinaric Alps.

Day 8 (difficult-regular): Route starts today again on Stavna plateau. After filling up your water bottle at the spring, you will take a path leads you below Vasojevicki Kom, going over the largest karst rock slide in the Balkans. We then pass ancient pines clinging to the rock before entering the stunning Medjukomlje Pass (2171 m). The hike continues in a very wild rocky area.

Option to climb the summit of Kucki Kom (2487 m) and enjoy in its many amazing summit panoramas: the last section to the summit is not for the light hearted, although the guide will secure a rope, it is narrow and drops away sharply on both sides. Unless you are a seasoned climber and have no problem with heights I would not recommend attempting this section.

On return, we will descend to the alpine pasture, past the remains of old Katuns. Here we can replenish our water at the spring. From here we will follow an age old stock route.

This trail is exceptional with alpine meadows, views across to the valley and magnificent forests of pine and beech. Wild strawberries grow in abundance along the trail. This area is true wilderness territory frequented by wolf, bears and other wild animals. The final, easy section of the trail goes through beech forest called Macak where you will find several water springs, and finally, after this whole day adventure, it will take you back to our accommodation. Here you can have a relaxing evening enjoying divine, traditional Montenegrin cuisine.

Day 9 : Back to Podgorica Airport.

PRICE:

1119 € per person all inclusive.

999€ for all booking before 15th March 2018: Early Bird discount.

+ 150 € p.p.: small group supplement for guaranteed departure under 5 people.

INCLUDED:

All accommodations: single beds in shared small chalets for 2, 4, or 6 people | with private or shared bathroom (depending on the location).

All organic, home cooked meals

All transfers starting from Podgorica airport until departure

Expedition leader for the whole duration of the expedition

Mountain guide for the hikes

Some snacks during the hikes

Obligatory excursion insurance

Parks entrance fees

Welcome pack

Tourist tax

NOT INCLUDED:

Your own trekking/hiking gear

International flights

Visa’s and visa’s expenses (if applicable)

Items of a personal nature (laundry, etc…)

Supplement for pick-up from another airport/location

Kayak rental option during the rest day

PAYMENT:

Before booking, please check with us availability at info [at] montenegro-eco.com.

To guarantee your seat on this expedition, you need to make a bank paymentof 50% of the total amount (down-payment).

You can pay by credit card, there will be a PayPal fee of 20€ per transaction. Specify the requested dates in the description.

You can pay by bank transfer to the following account. The fee is 10€ per transaction. Specify the requested dates in the description.